Saliman Al
PAKISTAN is confronting a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis driven by a convergence of poverty, climate change, rapid population growth, and structural inequalities.
Recurrent natural disasters, including floods, droughts, heatwaves, and earthquakes, have repeatedly displaced communities and destroyed livelihoods, leaving millions in need of humanitarian assistance. According to national and international assessments, large segments of the population continue to struggle with food insecurity, limited access to clean drinking water, inadequate healthcare, and disrupted education systems particularly in rural and marginalized regions. Climate change has emerged as one of the most severe threat multipliers for Pakistan. The country is among the most climate-vulnerable in the world, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and catastrophic flooding have severely affected agriculture, which remains the primary source of livelihood for a significant portion of the population. Rural districts in Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab have been especially hard hit, where water scarcity, land degradation, and crop losses continue to push families deeper into poverty.
Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a critical humanitarian concern. Millions of Pakistanis rely on contaminated water sources, leading to widespread waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis conditions that disproportionately affect children and women. In arid regions like Tharparkar, Sukkur, Khairpur and Jacobabad the lack of reliable water infrastructure forces communities to travel long distances for water, increasing health risks and reducing time for education and income-generating activities. In this context, humanitarian and development organizations play a crucial role in bridging gaps, strengthening resilience, and restoring dignity. Among such organizations, Unity ONG has emerged as a committed and impactful actor, working tirelessly for the betterment of underprivileged communities across Pakistan and specifically in Province Sindh.
Unity ONG is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to serving humanity without discrimination. In Pakistan, the organization is actively engaged in key social development sectors, including education, water, health and hygiene, and disability inclusion. Through people-centered interventions and community-driven approaches, the organization aims to address both immediate needs and long-term development challenges faced by marginalized populations of Sindh.
Badis Diab, Founder of Unity ONG, shared that the organization maintains a strong operational presence across several districts of Sindh province, including Sukkur, Khairpur, Tharparkar, and Ghotki. These districts are among the most vulnerable in terms of poverty levels, water scarcity, climate-related risks, and limited access to quality social services. By working closely with local communities, stakeholders, and grassroots partners, the organization ensures that its interventions are responsive, inclusive, and sustainable. The organization also plans to expand its outreach to other underserved areas of Pakistan, extending support to communities that remain largely neglected.
One of the most critical areas of Unity ONG’s work in Pakistan is water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Access to clean and safe drinking water remains a major challenge in rural and remote regions, particularly in arid zones such as Tharparkar, where water scarcity has severe consequences for health, nutrition, and livelihoods. Recognizing this urgent need, Unity ONG has prioritized water interventions as a cornerstone of its humanitarian response. Moreover, this organization aims to construct approximately 3,000 water wells by the year 2026. These water wells will be developed with a particular focus on rural and water-scarce communities, significantly improving access to safe drinking water for thousands of families. This initiative is expected to reduce the burden on women and children, who often travel long distances to fetch water, while also helping to prevent waterborne diseases and improve overall community health.
In addition to water interventions, the organization is deeply committed to improving access to education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Sindh. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, yet millions of children in Pakistan are out of school due to financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, and social barriers. To address this challenge, Unity ONG constructed a community schools in Khairpur Pakistan, where 500 children are studying with free education. These schools is providing free education, ensuring that children from low-income families can access quality learning opportunities without the burden of tuition fees. By investing in education infrastructure and inclusive learning environments, Unity ONG seeks to empower children with knowledge, skills, and hope for a better future. The organization’s education initiatives are designed to promote gender equality, encourage community participation, and create safe spaces for learning.
Health and hygiene interventions also form an integral part of Unity ONG’s work in Pakistan. Poor hygiene practices and limited access to basic health services continue to contribute to preventable illnesses, especially among women and children. Through awareness sessions, community engagement, and support for hygiene-related infrastructure, Unity ONG aims to improve health outcomes and promote healthier behaviours at the household and community levels. Another key focus area for Unity ONG is disability inclusion. Persons with disabilities often face multiple layers of exclusion, including barriers to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Recently with the collaboration of DEPEED department of Sindh, the organization distributed 100 wheelchairs to the disable community. Moreover, they are committed in promoting inclusion and dignity by integrating disability-sensitive approaches into its programs and advocating for equal access to services and opportunities.
Speaking about the organization’s broader mission and global reach, Badis Diab, Founder of Unity ONG, noted that the organization operates in more than 60 countries worldwide. With over 12 years of experience in the humanitarian and development sector, he is a well-known humanitarian practitioner and writer who has dedicated his career to serving vulnerable populations. Reflecting on Unity ONG’s vision, he emphasized that the organization’s central mission is to serve humanity without discrimination, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or background.
Through its integrated, multi-sectoral approach and long-term commitment, Unity ONG continues to play a vital role in strengthening community resilience and promoting dignity, equity, and sustainable development across Pakistan. By addressing immediate humanitarian needs while investing in education, water, health, and inclusion, Unity ONG is not only improving lives today but also laying the foundation for a more resilient and equitable future for underprivileged communities across the country.
—The writer is a social activist based in Lahore.
